At a glance:
The Pregnacare Stretch Mark Lotion absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave any greasy residue on the skin like others on the market. Our panel of mum testers all thought this helped fade and prevent stretch marks, although they had mixed opinions on the aloe vera scent.
What they say:
"Pregnacare Stretch Cream is a rich massage cream, specially formulated to care for stretching skin during pregnancy. Stretch marks can appear anywhere on the body where the skin has been stretched. They occur when the lower layer of the skin containing collagen and elastin, which give our skin its elasticity, becomes damaged by a rapid weight loss or weight gain, such as in pregnancy. The purple appearance of the stretch mark on the skin is caused by the small blood vessels beneath the surface, which become more visible with stretching."
Tested by mum Naomi Latham for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Pregnacare Stretch Mark Massage Lotion to another mum-to-be as I have found it to be fantastic so far. The lotion is fast absorbing and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy like a lot of creams can do. It is nice and light which feels lovely when massaged into your bump. My baby likes it too as he always gives me a little kick just after I’ve used the lotion! The cocoa and shea butter means that the lotion has a lovely calming and relaxing smell, which is ideal just before bedtime. I have been following the instructions and applying it to my bump, breasts, waist and thighs. Since I’ve started using it, I have noticed a reduction in the appearance of my cellulite which was an added bonus! So far I haven’t seen any stretch marks appearing and I am now 25 weeks pregnant, so it certainly seems to be doing its job.
How did this product make your life easier?
As a mum to be, I have found that Pregnacare Stretch Mark Massage Lotion ticks all the boxes. It feels lovely to apply, absorbs super quickly and is keeping any signs of stretch marks at bay so far. The soothing smell helps to relax me before bed as well.
Would you choose this product to win?
I had previously bought the Avon stretch mark cream prior to testing the Pregncare lotion and have to say I am far more impressed with the Pregnacare. It is a lot smoother and lighter and it smells so much nicer. The mix of the cocoa and shea butter create a lovely soothing smell which is very calming. The fact that I currently don’t have any sign of any stretch marks appearing is great! I am so impressed with the Pregnacare Stretch Mark Massage Lotion that I have already been online and ordered some more to see me through the rest of my pregnancy.
What changes would you make to this product?
The only thing that I would change about Pregnacare Stretch Mark Massage Lotion is that it is not very widely available, due to it being a new product. I think it would be great if it could be supplied in other size bottles too, such as a travel size one for when you go on a babymoon and a larger size for at home.
Tested by mum Samantha Creedon-Gray for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
If I'm being completely honest I wouldn't recommend this product. The consistency is quite watery and my skin doesn't feel particularly moisturised. After using it feels very tacky and your clothes can stick to your skin, then the next day my skin feels dry again. Although the scent is quite nice, there is an odd chemically smell that really upsets my pregnant nose.
How did this product make your life easier?
It is very easy to use and the product comes out very quickly. I don't feel like I've wasted any and the bottle is also a nice design. What was good was that the product doesn’t need a huge amount of rubbing in before it disappears and it means my morning routine is shorter.
Would you choose this product to win?
Although this is a good moisturiser, I wouldn't say it's very specific for combatting stretch marks as my skin doesn't feel particularly soft or supple. I have a problem with dry skin on my hands at the moment and they still feel dry (and tacky) after using this. My skin doesn't feel particularly soft either. Granted, this could be my dry skin and maybe someone who doesn't have dry skin would have more luck.
What changes would you make to this product?
The main thing I would change is the cost. This isn't an expensive product, but for the amount you get and for how long it lasts, it doesn't offer good value for money. It's a good moisturiser, but I wouldn't say I'm confident that it's going to stop any chance of getting stretch marks.
Tested by mum Leah Grieve for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product because I think the packaging stands out from others as it’s bright, and unlike many other stretch mark lotions this one is very absorbent. It dries within seconds and I like how it reduces the itchiness and uncomfortableness from having stretch marks.
How did this product make your life easier?
As I’ve already mentioned above, it’s very quick to dry so you don’t have to spend ages rubbing it into your skin. As a mum to a one-year-old and being pregnant, I like to have this product with me during the day so when I think my stretch marks are getting itchy or uncomfortable, I just top up with more lotion as it moisturises the skin.
Would you choose this product to win?
I would choose this product because it’s non-greasy and has an eye catching design on the bottle. One thing I’m not very keen on is the smell, it contains aloe vera but the lotion smells funny and is quite strong too, although it does do the job intended.
What changes would you make to this product?
One thing I would change about the product is the smell, which I find slightly off putting. I would also change the price of this product, although it is good and does what is needed, I wouldn’t like to pay the retail price every time I run out. Overall I would recommend it but I think the smell could be improved.
Tested by mum Leah Roberts for the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I would recommend this product to a friend because it is a very nice product. My stretch marks haven't noticeably changed, but equally they haven't got any worse since using the product. Most of my stretch marks are on my legs and bum area and I am a bit conscious of them but I feel this lotion has definitely helped keep them at bay. I will continue to use it for the remainder of my pregnancy and after I've give birth. The design is quite simple and plain but fits in well with the other Pregnacare products. It is very easy to use and I can pop it in my handbag, which is also great.
How did this product make your life easier?
I use the product straight after the bath and unlike other products I have used, like Bio Oil and Rescue Remedy, it isn't oily so I don't find myself needing to wash my hands thoroughly afterwards.
Would you choose this product to win?
I wouldn't personally choose this product out of all the products on the market as I don't feel it is the best out there, and feel the price is a bit high for what it is retailing at. I think this is more of a daily moisturiser than a stretch mark cream and the smell could be a bit nicer in my opinion.
What changes would you make to this product?
If I could change one thing about the product, it would definitely be the smell. It isn't horrible but it's not the nicest product I have smelt either – a lovely fragrance would make a big difference.
Tested by mum Louise Graham the Mother & Baby awards 2018:
Would you recommend this to other mums?
I have tried this product for two weeks and have to say I'm very impressed, and would definitely recommend it for the actual results it has given me. My stomach and thigh stretch marks are noticeably lighter and faded and it has left my skin extremely soft and smooth. I have been self-conscious of my stomach but this cream has worked wonders.
How did this product make your life easier?
This stretch mark cream is really simple to apply, both morning and night, and is quickly absorbed into the skin leaving no sticky residue. Because it is so quick to use, it has easily slotted into my routine.
Would you choose this product to win?
I completely think this product should win, it has given me incredible results that I didn't think were possible from a cream. It has boosted my confidence, not having to worry about people seeing my red stretch marks as I no longer have them!
What changes would you make to this product?
The only thing I would change about this product would be the fragrance, it has a very strong Aloe Vera smell that I'm not 100% keen on – it reminds me of after sun. However, this is pretty much a personal preference, otherwise the product is excellent!